The Federal Bureau of Investigation performs important intelligence, national security and law enforcement functions to help keep United States citizens safe. The FBI offers two main employment tracks, as field agents and professional staff, both of which employ a number of entry-level positions. The exact requirements vary for each entry-level position, but the FBI does require all job applicants to meet several prerequisites.

Education

Job applicants choosing the special agent career path must possess at least a bachelor's degree. Some useful degrees for working with the FBI include international studies, criminology, law enforcement, criminal justice, technology and computer science. Positions in the linguistics department require proficiency in at least one other language beside English. One exception to this requirement is positions with the Criminal Justice Information Division. Entry-level employees, such as Fingerprints and Identification Records Examiners, only need a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on-the-job training.

Skills

FBI entry-level jobs require certain skills, both physical and mental. All positions require intelligence, self-discipline and mental stability to be able to handle intense situations. Special agent recruits must also possess physical skills and pass a physical fitness test. The physical fitness test consists of sit-ups, 300-meter sprint, push-ups and a 1.5 mile run. Applicants receive points based on how many sit-ups and push-ups they can do in a minute and how fast they run.

Application Process

The application process for an entry-level FBI job consists of several steps, starting with an online application. Next, the applicant undergoes a series of written tests at an FBI facility and must perform well to move on to Phase II. Phase II requires the applicant to pass a writing test and take part in an interview. Any candidates making it past Phase II then must undergo the physical fitness test, medical examination and rigorous background check that includes credit check, criminal history check, polygraph and fingerprinting. Additionally, linguist applicants must take part in a series of language tests, including listening, reading, translation and speaking tests.

Miscellaneous Requirements

Other miscellaneous requirements include being a certain age. Special agents must be between the ages of 23 and 36. Most other positions require applicants to be at least 21 years old. Special agents must also have at least three years professional experience, even when applying for entry-level special agent positions. Potential applicants can gain professional experience through an FBI internship, law enforcement job or military position. FBI job applicants should be willing to relocate to any of the FBI's 56 field offices, 700 offices worldwide or the main headquarters in Washington, D.C. Applicants must be a United States citizen and hold a valid driver's license.

About the Author

Lindsey Thompson began her writing career in 2001. Her work has been published in the Cincinnati Art Museum's "Member Magazine" and "The Ohio Journalist." Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from the Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University.